Well what a season. At the half way mark we were 3 wins and 6 losses and then went onto win 12 games in a row including the Grand Final. The last loss we had in round 9 was against Ormond who beat us by 84 points and then the next time we played in the Grand Final we beat them by 60 points.
People ask how did we turn it around. Well it was a combination of things including the inclusion of some handy school boys who played in about 10 of those last 12 wins, but it was also the improvement in all our players in the 2nd half of the year. Our belief that we could give the finals a shake grew each week from round 9, we also had a strong belief in our tackling ability and I stressed to the boys that we need to be the best tackling side in the competition, which I believed we achieved from about midway into the season. This was something the opposition hated about us, but it was something that made us proud.
This year we played approximately 42 players in the under 19’s and of those 32 were still available for the GF. It’s always hard that only 24 can play, but I do stress that all of those 32 players plus a few more played in the majority of those 12 wins, so they were all strong and huge contributors to our Premiership.
I don’t like to individualise because football is a team sport, but I do need to congratulate our trophy winners. Cambell Jones our Best and Fairest and also our leading goal kicker who had a remarkable season. Well done Campbell on a great season. Mackie Robertson runner up in the B & F, who only played about 10 games, it was a terrific season to finish so high in only half a season. Josh Elson had a remarkable season and won our most consistent for his regular good performance. Jack Stewart won our most versatile player, for his fine contribution to the team, whether it was in the middle, forward or back. Sam Care won the Mark Johannsen trophy for his team play both on and off the field. Well done Sam on a good season.
The season can’t go ahead without an outstanding Team Manager in Annie Westhead. Annie you again did a fantastic job in organising all these boys. Peter Rogerson was also fabulous in his role as assistant coach. He was always at training and on match days and I cannot thank you enough for your contribution. Matty Rogerson is also another person who was runner or boundary umpire or any other job he could help with, so thanks Matty you were great. Thanks also to Jason Cave for helping as interchange steward on our home games.
I would also like to thank all the parents that helped with various roles each week, but in particular these people helped on a consistent basis. Jennie and Allan Jones, Lockie Massey, Gary and Maxine Morcom.
Another big thank you to Mitzi and all of the senior committee who supported the Under 19’s this year and really understood how having a strong 19’s is vital for the club going forward.
In closing I would like to particularly congratulate all the players for their great team effort. We all stuck together and got what we deserved and that is a Premiership. Well done Boys.
